Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
IU, Korea’s top singer, is also recognized as an excellent actor.
In 2010, IU started acting with the role of Kim Pil Sook in KBS2’s Dream High. Then in 2013, she played her first leading role through KBS2’s You Are The Best!. At first, there were concerns about her acting prowess since she was originally a singer, but she showed rapid growth, making people expect her next. After continuing her acting career by starring in Bel Ami, The Producers, and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, she finally met My Mister that marked a major turning point in her life in 2018.
tvN’s My Mister, aired in 2018, is a story about Dong Hoon, who is tired of the weight of his life, and Ji Ahn, who has lived a tough life, meeting and healing each other. IU played Ji Ahn, who is barely bearing the harsh reality after losing all hope and dreams.
At first, IU had a lot of thoughts and concerns when she was offered the role. She was worried that all the controversy regarding her song “Zezé” might become a burden on the drama. However, IU confirmed her appearance after producer Kim Won Seok told her that she will have gained much more when the drama is over.
Unlike IU’s previous bright and cheerful roles, Ji Ahn was a dark and gloomy character suffering from the cold reality. IU focused more than anyone at the filming locations to deliver every detail of Ji Ahn. As the episodes continued, she showed stable presence, dispelling the initial criticisms. As a result, she was nominated for the Best Actress Award in the TV category of the 2019 BaekSang Arts Award, and was recognized as a true actor.
Now, IU’s acting career is divided into before and after of My Mister. In 2019, she starred in tvN’s Hotel del Luna and presented the same presence, and set the highest viewership among all tvN dramas aired in 2019. IU, who has proven her solid acting prowess and star quality, has now stepped into the world of the big screen. She is getting ready to meet the audience with director Lee Byung Hun’s new film Dream (literal translation).
